The blog of Twenty One Two Designs Inc. was launched in February 2011 by founder and interior designer, Amanda Swanlund. Here you will get a behind the scenes look of daily life as a designer with its highs and lows and everything in between. This blog explores design ideas and trends and gives you a glimpse of her decor, fashion and travel inspiration. To find out more about design services, please visit www.twentyonetwo.ca.
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This stunning home is by one of my favourites, CWB Architects. I believe I have posted about them before, but the homes they create are so inspiring and well thought out. I love that their spaces all look “complete”, with the attention to detail being spot on. This home is called “Hudson Hideaway” which is completely suiting for this stunner. May I move in?

Amanda

Hello! It’s been awhile, but it’s time to come back to blogging! I took a much needed break from the blogging world only to miss it like crazy. Things have been very busy with work and I’m working on some really exciting residential projects that I can’t wait to share more about! But for now, here’s a quick Twenty One Two update…….

In early August, I went to Vegas and got to experience the most incredible spa I have ever seen at the Encore. I was walking around with my jaw dropped. The attention to detail was just out of this world. I highly recommend a visit next time you’re there.

I did a TON of fabric sourcing for my current projects. A few of these made the cut…..

I got to attend Dinner X Design in September right before IDS West. A bunch of different designers created these amazing table scapes, each one being very different from the last. This table is by Kelly Deck and was an absolute favourite of mine.

September and design week meant a ton of parties and events, therefore killing my feet. Flip flops in the purse are always a must!

IDS West was a hit! I think I was there for 3 days straight checking out all of the vendors and cool new products. These were some favourites from Aeon Tile.

Putting together materials for a client presentation. I can’t wait to see this all come together!

More sourcing at Pottery Barn. I loved this vignette they had set up. So calming and comfortable- I love all of the layering. It gave me a bit of inspiration for my own place.

I stopped off at Peridot during some of my sourcing trips. This store is to die for and so beautiful.

I don’t usually wear a ton of jewelry, but I LOVE my wedding earrings that Elsa Corsi made for me. I am obsessed with Emerald and love how they add the right amount of colour and sparkle to any outfit. Oh and they’re called the ‘Amanda’.

More fabrics for another client presentation…..This one is going to move really fast and I’m really excited to see it complete.

Souring and shopping is never complete without a few trips to Restoration Hardware. That store is too much. Their visual merchandising is beyond. They’re expanding the back and adding 3000 sq. ft. of showroom by Christmas. I love their bedding, absolutely love it.

More material sourcing for a project in North Van. This one is definitely more masculine and was really fun to pull together.

All and all, it’s been a really busy season so far and I can’t wait to share more about the projects I’m working on.

Great design is all in the details. By paying close attention to the details, I was able to design this bedroom showcase at Once A tree Furniture that exudes this concept: luxury can be comfortable. There are little touches in this room that add to that sense of luxury like the Grasscloth wallpaper, the sateen bedding and the accents of gold. Yet the layered rugs, cozy chairs and fireplace really make this space comfortable and approachable. Mixing textures is always key to creating a beautiful space and is demonstrated here with the layers of bedding, silk drapes and area rugs. Keeping design timeless yet current is really important to me so I designed all of these pieces of furniture with this in mind. The case goods have clean lines and a simplistic approach so they are truly a transitional style that will suit many different spaces yet still feel fresh. Above all, my goal was to create a space where you can walk in and feel inspired.

The room will be on display until mid-September at Once A Tree Furniture at 750 SW Marine Drive in Vancouver.

Amanda

Last Thursday was my Designer Showcase reveal party at Once A Tree Furniture. And without a doubt, it was a crazy, fun, exhilarating night! I want to say a huge thank you to Once A Tree for allowing me to take part in this amazing series, I couldn’t feel more honoured and grateful. I want to also say a huge thank you to my friends, family, clients, suppliers, vendors, reps, everyone that came to show support to me and Once A Tree. I will have photos up soon of the space and of the party! Stay tuned!

Amanda

I can never get enough of Lee Kleinhelter’s spaces- they’re chic, glamorous, yet totally livable. I got to tour a den and powder room she designed in the Elle Décor Concept House last year in New York and it was amazing. A small space, but high impact! The powder room walls were black & white striped and gold sea urchins lined the den walls. Sorry for the photo quality, but you get the jist.

Lonny featured this model apartment below in their June issue and I fell in love immediately. A combo of black and white is one of my favourite pairings in décor and fashion and as always, Lee nailed it. Warmth is added with accents of wood, cozy textures, fur and gold. A personal favourite!

Check out her amazing store, Pieces. I would love to visit, it is so up my alley!

Amanda

I’ve never been to Nantucket Island, but if I ever go, I’ll stay at White Elephant Village! Designer Kathleen Hay created this beautiful space and kept it modern while instilling the traditional charm that is Nantucket. I love how she designed the Inn with a beachy vibe, but it’s still subtle enough and doesn’t look to theme-y. How much fun would it be to design a boutique hotel? That’s definitely on my design bucket list…..

Amanda

The day has arrived to let you all in on a secret project that I have been working on for the past few months! I’ve blogged quite a bit about Once a Tree furniture in the past and my love for their quality furnishings. They are a local furniture company here in Vancouver that crafts their beautiful millwork and furniture in a studio below the store. My pipe dream has always been to own a furniture store and Once a Tree is my biggest source of inspiration. So when they announced a few years ago that they would be doing this Designer Showcase series I thought, no way would I be selected to do one, but I’m sure as hell going to try! So I presented my bedroom concept last fall and BAM! It made it!

I am thrilled to announce that I am the next designer in the Designer Showcase series and my room will be on display from June 20th until mid-September!!

Without giving too much away, the design concept for my bedroom showcase is comfortable luxury. I strive to design spaces in everyday life that are sophisticated and luxurious but they also have to be approachable and livable. I really wanted my bedroom to demonstrate this. I have been able to select some fabulous finishes and have designed almost each piece of furniture that Once a Tree will be producing. I am so thankful to Once a Tree and Daphne for allowing me to take part in this fantastic series that enables designers like myself to design a room of their dreams. Pinch me!

The launch party is coming up on June 20th from 6-9pm. Email me at amanda@twentyonetwo.ca for more information! I would love to see you there!

Amanda

A new obsession of mine is Made Goods. My God, the accessories are out of this world! I love the natural, but luxurious feel of a few of the pieces. Unique, interesting accessories are sometimes hard to come by, but these pieces are truly stunning. The Coco mirror is a true favourite, it’s a piece of art. I think it would look perfectly dramatic in a dining or living room. Now if these items could just magically appear at my house, I’d be the happiest girl in the world.

Amanda

Patio season is finally upon us and I’m excited to spend weekend afternoons in the warm sun with a cocktail in hand and good eats! Decorating a patio should be an extension of the decor from your home. Lounge furniture has replaced the usual dining table and chairs as the go to for patio furniture. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes from fantastic retailers like Restoration Hardware, West Elm and Serena & Lily. I love using fun, bold pillows outdoors to add some colour. The patio is a great place to experiment with colour and pattern because the outdoors are meant to be bright and cheery right? I’m loving the Monaco collection from Serena & Lily!